Leading two very different concepts under one roof, Chef Koyi Tanabe of SALVAJE and ARROGANTE shares a look at what it takes to run a kitchen today
From building a strong, supportive team to adapting in uncertain times, he talks through the realities of leadership, consistency, and keeping creativity alive in Dubai’s fast-moving dining scene.
How do you build a strong, supportive team in a high-pressure kitchen?
It starts with making sure my team feels heard. We hold check-ins twice a day, not just to go over operations, but to create space for open, honest communication where everyone has my full attention. In a high-pressure environment, clear communication is everything. When people feel listened to, they stay aligned and perform at their best. Without it, small issues can quickly escalate and affect the whole team. For me, a strong kitchen is built on trust, respect, consistency and communication.
How has your approach to running two very different concepts evolved, given the current global and local challenges?
Our concepts have always been intentionally distinct, each with its own identity and audience. That hasn’t changed. What has evolved is how we communicate them. In the current climate, we’re leaning more into the idea of variety, highlighting that guests can experience different moods, styles, and offerings all within one destination. That sense of choice and flexibility has become incredibly important.
People are looking for comfort and reliability, and being able to offer multiple experiences under one roof provides exactly that. Of course, being in a high-tourism location, we’ve felt some impact. But with the way the UAE has managed the situation, along with the continued support of our loyal guests, we’ve been able to maintain a strong, welcoming environment while adapting how we present our overall offering.
How have your kitchen operations or workflows adapted to stay resilient during uncertain times?
It’s a challenging time for everyone, and people handle that in different ways. For us, resilience isn’t just about operations, it’s about taking care of the team. Alongside our structured daily check-ins, we’ve introduced weekly activities to bring everyone together outside of service. Those moments help keep the atmosphere positive and grounded.
In a high-pressure environment, creating a sense of normality and connection is just as important as maintaining consistency in the kitchen. It keeps the team motivated, focused, and ready to perform at their best.
How do you maintain the same level of quality and creativity while navigating these new challenges?
For me, a big part of staying creative and motivated comes from engaging with the wider F&B community in Dubai. Going out, dining, and seeing how others continue to push forward with such energy and resilience is incredibly inspiring. At the same time, our team is truly the heart of everything we do. Staying open isn’t just a business decision; it’s about showing up for them every day.
By continuing to operate, we’re able to support our team and, in turn, the families who depend on them. That responsibility drives us to maintain our standards, no matter the circumstances. We’re also very fortunate to be part of a community that genuinely supports one another and comes together during challenging times. That shared sense of purpose keeps us motivated, focused, and committed to delivering quality and creativity every single day.
How do you hope your leadership and food inspire your team and the wider dining community during these times?
The food I create is very personal; it reflects my heritage, my experiences, and my journey. I don’t approach it with the intention of inspiring people in a traditional sense, instead, I aim to create moments that feel a little lighter and a lot more enjoyable. Especially in times like these, I think people really value that sense of comfort and escape.
When it comes to leadership, I hope to lead through resilience. My team motivates me every day with their dedication and attitude, and I hope I can reflect that same energy back to them, creating an environment where we continue to support each other and keep moving forward together.
